Jennifer Borcherding for Cedar Rapids School Board: Graduating tomorrow’s leaders is vital

Investing in public education is essential. Supporting students and staff is critical. Graduating tomorrow’s leaders is vital. For these reasons I am honored and humbled to run for re-election to the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) Board of Education (BOE).

Advocating for public education is important BOE work. Education is a right, not a privilege. I will continue to actively oppose education privatization efforts. Public money is for public use, period.

CRCSD student voice helps the district grow in ways that best meet students’ needs. Student voice is fundamental to BOE work. Without students, school boards would not exist. I never lose sight of that truth.

Teaching is an act of optimism and compassion; it is a noble pursuit. Teachers best know what works in classrooms. When teachers are supported, students succeed. I always consider the educator when working from the board table.

I am dedicated to promoting multiple post-graduation pathways for students. College enrollments remain strong and career opportunities are growing stronger. CRCSD’s career technical education programming lets students explore careers in the skilled trades, nursing, technical careers, and careers in the culinary arts. I am proud to support multiple post-graduation pathways.

Effective education is a team effort. Engaged parents, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, custodians, paraeducators, principals, secretaries, superintendents, support staff, teachers and responsible board members are all needed team members. I look forward to continuing the shared work.

My voting record and board table discussions prove my work. I remain eager to use critical thinking while making data driven decisions that best support educational equity. It is an honor to serve students, staff and the community while advocating for public education. Thank you for supporting me in this work.

Jennifer Borcherding is a candidate for Cedar Rapids School Board.